An introduction to the dynamic complexity of American ethnic life and
Latino identity
Latinos are the fastest growing population group in the United
States.Through their language and popular music Latinos are making their
mark on American culture as never before. As the United States becomes
Latinized, how will Latinos fit into America's divided racial landscape
and how will they define their own racial and ethnic identity?
Through strikingly original historical analysis, extensive personal
interviews and a careful examination of census data, Clara E. Rodriguez
shows that Latino identity is surprisingly fluid, situation-dependent,
and constantly changing. She illustrates how the way Latinos are
defining themselves, and refusing to define themselves, represents a
powerful challenge to America's system of racial classification and
American racism.